Malikah empowers women and girls through safety and wellness.

At Malikah, we believe that security is a fundamental human right. We are dedicated to training women to feel safe, secure, and empowered in a world often shaped by violence. Our programs provide women with the skills they need to de-escalate violent situations and take control of their personal security and space.

Women in a field doing a self defense pose

Self-Defense at the Core of Our Mission

Self-defense is not just about physical strength—it’s about empowering individuals with the confidence, skills, and knowledge to navigate the world safely, no matter their age. Led by Rana Abdelhamid, a black belt in karate, and our team of certified instructors, we teach a variety of self-defense techniques that help people protect themselves and feel in control, no matter the situation. Our classes aren’t just about defending your body—they're about building mental strength, resilience, and community.

We work with people across age groups, from young children and teens to adults, adapting our curriculum to meet the needs of each individual and group. Our program has trained over 30,000 people to date, and we’re proud to say that we maintain a 95% satisfaction rating, a testament to our effectiveness and the impact of our work.

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Learning how to stay calm and use your voice to prevent situations from escalating. It’s about knowing what to say and how to say it in tense moments.
Hands-on techniques to help you defend yourself if you're grabbed or restrained, including holds, escapes, and how to use leverage.
Teaching you effective strikes, like punches, kicks, and elbow strikes, that are easy to remember and apply in moments of danger.
Giving you the tools to stay aware of your surroundings, recognize potential threats, and trust your instincts. Awareness is key to preventing dangerous situations before they even start.
Teaching physical and emotional boundary-setting techniques, including how to stand firm, use body language, and assert your space in potentially threatening situations.
Techniques to stay calm in stressful situations, such as grounding exercises, breathing techniques, and ways to manage fear or panic.
How to make yourself a harder target in high-risk situations, including how to use your surroundings to your advantage to escape.
Techniques for protecting yourself online, understanding how to identify and respond to cyberbullying, harassment, or digital stalking.
Equipping you with the tools to safely step in and help others if you witness harassment or violence, so that you can make a difference in your community.
Helping you create personalized safety plans to prepare for different situations—whether at home, at work, or in public, so that you always feel in control and ready.

Here’s what we focus on:

Our healing spaces center the collective well-being of individuals. We draw from traditional and holistic practices to create environments where people can connect, listen, and support each other through difficult conversations. Healing is a lifelong process, and we provide the tools to help people come together, foster understanding, and build meaningful relationships, whether at home, in a mosque, or in a community space.
Our economic justice programs equip women with the skills and knowledge to take control of their financial futures. From financial literacy to entrepreneurship workshops, we provide essential tools to help women overcome pay disparities and reach their full economic potential. Whether it’s budgeting, investing, or launching a business, we support women in building their financial independence.
Creating lasting change requires action, and Malikah trains women to organize, build power, and create meaningful impact in their communities. Our grassroots organizing curriculum focuses on leadership, storytelling, relationship-building, team structure, and strategic action. We believe in the power of collective effort to transform systems and uplift communities.